Daily Archives: December 31, 2003

1 post

Records that made the world a better place in 2003

Fourtet: Rounds

(Reviewed here) In which Hebden refines and outstrips Pause to make an electronic record that actually breathes. I catch something new every time I listen to it. His best work yet.

Xela: For Frosty Mornings…

A modest and wistful album that matches is title. Subtle and evocative; the equivalent of watching frost etch its way across a windowpane.

Postal Service: Give Up

A continuation of last year’s Benjamin Gibbard/Dntel collaboration. Some of the catchiest stuff you’ll hear this year. Good enough that the few glaring mis-steps (read the lyrics to “Nothing Better”) can be easily overlooked.

Notwist: Neon Golden (US version)

A record which channels everything from vintage New Order to Wire without missing a beat. “Pilot” is one of the best singles this year and comes off (strangely enough) as a post-rock successor to REM’s “Driver 8.”

Yasume: Where We’re from the Birds Sing a Pretty Song

Xela side project using source material from the “Twin Peaks” soundtrack.

Continued...